Pakipakitai has come a long way from the early 1990s and is now being recognized by the Government and Community on individual islands of the Cook Islands. With the core support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Social Impact Fund. It has elevated the level of the Pakipakitai who are no longer hidden in their individual homes.
As a Christian Community, Jesus Christ has bid us to love the least of His brethren (Pakipakitai Community).
In the olden days, families that had a Pakipakitai or disabled child would feel ashamed of the child and tried to hide them in their homes. As the World recognised the rights of these vulnerable people, so did the Cook Islands come to accept them as part of the community. Education, played and vital part in awareness program to our island community which today bears fruit to Pakipakitai being recognized in the Cook Islands.
Our TUPUNA believes in natural remedies. Sand and Sea plays an important part or role in our TUPUNA’S lifestyle. An invalid child is born to a family, as their child is growing, family will take their Pakipakitai child on the beach, dig a hole, place the child in the hole, with the head above the ground, while the family hang around just keeping an eye on the child, with the lapping of the sea on the seashore….
A bit of history
2008/2009 a combined trip with the Rarotonga Deaf Community to Samoa (photos)
Over the years, Bone/Muscle therapies has paid visit to educate our former and current staff how to cater for these Pakipakitai clients.
2009 Rarotonga Creative Centre Pakipakitai Clients with their staff visit Aitutaki and Aitutaki Pakipakitai host them on the day tour trip to Aitutaki sponsored by Air Rarotonga.
2012 – Received a Van, (Various Rotary Group around NZ and Motor Centre, Rarotonga) to transport our Pakipakitai clients to the Centre, for home visit, benefit days, and other necessary trips to assist our Pakipakitai.
Aitutaki Disable Centre or Pakipakitai Centre is where we base and sell our Craft, which has supported us financially, with our fuel (Van), meals on our Centre Days (Tuesday & Thursday – Weekly).
Social Impact Fund is a core donor with the salary of our two staff, material for craft, Power/Phone.
Pakipakitai is a Non-Government Group, and Pakipakitai rely on the goodness of People in the Cook Islands and around the World.